Every religion has a set of rules which helps the followers to attain enlightenment. In Islam Religion there are 5 fundamental norms known as the Five Pillars of Islam and Ramadan is one of them. It is a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset and all Muslims maintain this rule all over the world.

Fact 1 Implications Of Ramadan

Ramadan or Ramzan is a month of prayer and introspection and for this the followers of Islam spend the entire month fasting from sunrise till the sun sets. It is a kind of ritual for all Muslims and so everybody follows it willingly. This month of fasting is the ninth month of Islamic Calendar which too has 12 months and is based on the different phases of the moon. This calendar however has eleven days less than the solar calendar. Hence the commencement date of Ramadan is not the same every year and passes on to other seasons also. This month is very important for all followers of Islam as it is believed that it was during this period Muhammad the great prophet received the first revelations from Jibreel or Gabriel which became the Holy Book Quran.

Fact 2 About The Islamic Religion

It is said that Islam originated in Arabia and spread all over the world to become the second largest religion after Christianity and has more than 1 billion people who have embraced Islam and abide by all its rules. Fasting during the month of Ramzan or Ramadan is one of the five rules and so it is followed by all Muslims. Muhammad told that the gates of Heaven would remain open during this entire month of Ramadan and those of Hell would be shut. So all Muslims fast for a full month to get the blessings of the Almighty and go to Heaven after death.

Fact 3 5 Pillars Of Islam

The 5 Pillars of Islam are different acts of worship and they are the basic rules in the lives of the followers of Islam. The pillars are namely:

1. Shahada meaning a declaration of faith that God is above all and His messenger is Muhammad.
2. Prayer is the second ritual and Muslims are supposed to pray five times a day at specific hours.
3. Zakat means doing charity and offering clothes and food to the poor and needy.
4. Fasting
5. Pilgrimage which states that all Muslims should try to visit (Hajj) Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

Fact 4 Rules Of Ramadan

During the sacred month of Ramadan, apart from fasting the entire day as long as the sun sheds its light on the earth, Muslims should stay away from drinks and other pleasurable physical activities and especially avoid ill behavior, impure thoughts and cruel acts. It is a time for purifying the soul and getting rid of all sins by practicing self-sacrifice and focusing on God. To break their fast after sunset, Muslims sit together and share their meals with family as well as friends. The meal that is taken before sunrise is known as “suhoor” and that after sunset is called “iftar”.

Fact 5 End Of Ramadan

The fast is broken by consuming a date and this is done because it contains a lot of water contents and carbohydrates that energizes the body. The meals or Iftars are usually elaborate and various types of foods are served according to culture. The Ramadan or Ramzan month ends by a three-day celebration known as Id-al-Fitr – the biggest festival of the Muslims that is marked by great feasts and exchange of gifts.